April 2017- Volume XV, Number 4
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard

  • –FUNDING
  • –TRAINING/MEETINGS
  • –OPPORTUNITIES
  • –MISCELLANEOUS

FUNDING
–Corporation for National and Community Service is offering funding to Indian Tribes for programs that are designed to strengthen tribal communities and solve local problems through service and volunteering. Deadline: Letter of Intent (optional) 4/19/2017; application 5/10/2017. Click here to visit the website for funding guidelines.

–The United Fresh Start Foundation (UFSF) is providing grant opportunities to organizations interested in increasing children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables outside of school. UFSF is looking for creative methods to get fresh produce to children during the summer months, after school, and on the weekends. Deadline: 4/20/2017. Learn more about the initiative here and download the application here.
— Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program  Grants to city, county, and state governments to expand opioid abuse prevention and education efforts while also promoting treatment and recovery. Application Deadline: Apr 25, 2017.

–Bush Foundation is accepting applications for the Bush Prize for Community Innovation. Grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded to community-based organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota with a track record of making great ideas happen. Deadline: 4/27/2017. Click here for an application.

–The Department of Health and Human Services is offering grant funds to CDCs for community-based efforts to improve the economic and physical health of people in areas designated as food deserts or where applicants can point to indicators of need, such as poor access to a healthy food retail outlet, a high percentage of individuals with low-income, incidence of diet-related health conditions, or high concentrations of persons eligible for food assistance programs. Through the Community Economic Development (CED) program and within the framework of the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), the Department seeks to fund projects that implement strategies to increase healthy food access, foster self-sufficiency for individuals and families with low income, and create sustained employment opportunities in communities with low incomes. Deadline: 4/28/2017. Click here to review funding guidelines and download an application package.

–The Singing for Change Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that inspire personal growth, community integration, and the enhanced awareness that collectively people can bring about positive social change. The Foundation provides grants to progressive, community-based nonprofit organizations nationwide that address the root causes of social or environmental problems. The Foundation primarily provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for projects that serve children and families, the environment, and disenfranchised groups. Priority is given to inclusive, grassroots organizations that rely strongly on volunteer efforts, where Foundation support makes a significant difference. Deadline: letters of interest by 5/1/2017. Visit the Foundation’s website here to review the funding guidelines and to submit an online letter of interest.

–Newman’s Own, Fisher House Foundation and Military Times are offering $200,000 in grants to recognize volunteer and nonprofit organizations supporting military families. Eligible applicants to the Newman’s Own Awards Program must be comprised primarily of volunteers and/or be a nonprofit organization, and be working with Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve units, veterans, and their families. Applying organizations will be evaluated on their innovative plans for improving the quality of life for members of the military and their families. Grants of up to $50,000 are provided. Deadline: 5/2/2017. Visit the program’s website here to submit an online application.

–The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is offering six grants of $60,000 to support teams building healthy, child-centered communities through its Raising Places initiative. Raising Places catalyzes local momentum for cross-sector collaboration, engaging diverse partners to build healthier communities where all children and their families can thrive. Deadlines: the full application is now released and will be due 5/5/2017. For more information and to apply, click here.

–Blandin Foundation Broadband Grants: Broadband Innovation and Robust Network Feasibility Fund grant award amounts range from $1,000 to $25,000, and matching funds are required. Grant application deadlines for 2017 are June 23 and September 22. http://wp.me/p3if7-3M7
— Asthma Friendly Schools The Minnesota Department of Health’s Asthma Program in partnership with the American Lung Association in Minnesota is offering mini-grant funding to create asthma friendly schools. Grant money up to $1,500 is available to implement a variety of school-based projects in elementary, middle or high school settings. The funds are available to public schools, charter schools, and private schools and can be applied to individual schools or across districts. Six project areas are available to choose from: Asthma Data; Environmental Policy; Partnering with Parents and Caregivers; Teaching an Asthma Self-Management Curriculum; Linking Schools and Health Care; and Health Office Staff Training. Applications are currently being accepted through June 30, 2017. For more information, go to the Minnesota Asthma Program–Asthma Friendly Schools Mini-Grant Program to learn how to submit your application. You may also contact the MDH Asthma Program at 651-201-5909 or asthma@health.state.mn.us

–Rural LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) created the Community Facilities Fund to help develop and improve essential community facilities in rural areas. Rural LISC provides permanent and construction to permanent financing for rural community facilities, including health care centers, hospitals, educational facilities, and other nonprofit and public facilities, in rural communities with populations under 20,000. Deadline: ongoing. Click here for more information.

—Developing Healthy Places.  The Kresge Foundation provides funding to improve the places that shape health, including programs that promote healthy housing and neighborhoods, food systems for low-income communities, and equitable transportation and land use. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

–The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced a new funding opportunity announcement for up to $6 million to install energy efficiency measures and deploy clean energy systems on Indian lands. The Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Indian tribes and tribal energy resource development organizations to install energy efficiency measures and clean energy systems on tribal buildings and deploy clean energy systems on a community scale.

–The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) FY17 solicitation of applications. REAP offers two types of funding assistance: (1) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses, and (2) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants to state, tribal, or local governments; institutions of higher education; rural electric cooperatives; or public power entities. The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance provides grants of $20,000 or less and guaranteed loans to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. For assistance with applications, interested parties in Minnesota should contact Ron Omann, Rural Development Energy Coordinator, at 651-602-7796 or ron.omann@mn.usda.gov.

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

— MCN and Nonprofits Assistance Fund will be hosting the sixth-annual Nonprofit Finance & Sustainability Conference on Thursday, April 13 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center. This year’s conference will feature a keynote addressing charitable endowments by Alan Cantor, consultant and frequent contributor to The Chronicle of Philanthropy; 20 timely breakout sessions and opportunities to network with sector peers.  Early Bird rates for MCN members are available until February 24. Scholarships and team registrations specials are also available. Learn more!

—Riverland Tourism Conference Held April 18 in Crookston The Riverland Tourism Association will be holding a conference titled “Building Your Business One Visitor at a Time” on Tuesday, April 18, at the University of Minnesota in Crookston.
–The National Housing Conference will host “Solutions for Housing Communications 2017” will be April 27-28, 2017, in Minneapolis.

—Save the Date for a Tourism Research Showcase The U of M Tourism Center celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week by hosting a Tourism Research Showcase and lunch event on Monday, May 8.

–Minnesota High Tech Association Spring Conference registration is open for our May 9 Spring Conference! This year’s conference will be held at the Minneapolis Depot Renaissance and feature more than 15 breakout sessions and 40 exhibitors in addition to our keynote speakers. Conference tracks will focus on digital transformation, cybersecurity and Minnesota’s leadership in the next wave of innovation. LEARN MORE
— On May 16-17 the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and the St. Paul Public Library welcome digital inclusion practitioners, advocates, academics, Internet service providers and policymakers to Net Inclusion 2017: The National Digital Inclusion Summit. St. Paul, Minnesota. https://digitalinclusion.org/netinclusion2017/

— Early Bird Registration Open for the 2017 Rural Arts & Culture Summit  The 2017 Rural Arts and Culture Summit will take place June 6-8 at the University of Minnesota – Morris.
— SAVE THE DATE!  2017 Nonprofit Leadership Conference to be held at the University of MN in Minneapolis on Tuesday, June 13, 2017.

–The Minnesota Rural Health Conference Shaping Sustainable Solutions will be held June 19-20 in Duluth.

— Economic Development Association of Minnesota is hosting the 2017 Summer Conference June 28-30 at the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa. Please go to http://z.umn.edu/1d2w for more information.

—2017 Nonprofit Fundraising Conference  co-hosted by Association of Fundraising Professionals Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center

—2017 MCN Annual Conference will be held Thursday – Friday, October 12 – 13, 2017 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, Saint Paul.

OPPORTUNITIES

–Minnesota Cup launches 2017 competition. The nation’s largest startup startup contest, has opened applications — with $450,000 in total prizes! Participants have until April 28 to submit applications. LEARN MORE

–The Minnesota Rural Health Conference is currently accepting nominations for the 2017 Minnesota Rural Health Awards! There are three awards to be considered:

  • The MN Rural Health Hero Award recognizes one individual who has made an positive or innovative contribution to rural health
  • The MN Rural Health Team Award recognizes an organization or a group of individuals who have made a positive or innovative contribution to rural health
  • The MN Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes one individual who has made a lasting contribution to improving rural health over the span of his or her career

All the awards will be presented during the Conference Awards breakfast on June 20 in Duluth. To nominate someone for an award, please complete and return the nomination form by May 1 to maria.rogness@state.mn.us

If you do not receive an email confirmation, please call to check on the receipt of the nomination form at 651-201-3863. For more information about the conference, view the MN Rural Health Conference website.

—Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Scholarship   Financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native scholars, health leaders, health professionals, and paraprofessionals serving tribal communities who are interested in attending the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health’s Summer and Winter Institute courses at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Application Deadline: May 1, 2017.

–The 2017 Nurse Corps Scholarship Program Application cycle is now open. Applicants may view the 2017 Application and Program Guidance and the on-demand 2017 NURSE Corps Scholarship Technical Assistance Webinar. The webinar provides you with more information on the application process and the service requirements. The application deadline is May 11, 7:30 pm ET.
—Apply to Host the 2018 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener  Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to host the 2018 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener.
MISCELLANEOUS

–The Department of Health and Human Services released its annual poverty guidelines update to account for the last calendar year’s increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Get the guidelines and further information here.

–Minnesota Compass held its annual meeting in February, and shared information about important data and trends affecting communities around the state. Go to: http://www.mncompass.org/_pdfs/compass-points-2017.pdf

–Public Health Data Access Portal  Find data, charts and maps at the MN Public Health Data Access portal to help advance your public health initiatives. Information about environmental hazards and public health risks are updated and maintained by the MN Environmental Public Health Tracking Program at the Minnesota Department of Health. Download your quick reference guide outlining the available topics.

—How We Can Help Children in Rural Communities Thrive Discusses challenges facing rural families and children with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders. Highlights steps that states, healthcare systems, and primary care providers can take to support them.

—Creating Change through Arts, Culture, and Equitable Development: A Policy and Practice Primer This report offers a framework for moving equitable development policy across multiple sectors – aided by and strengthening the use of arts and culture practice.

—Minnesotans with Disabilities: Demographic and Economic Characteristics  This brief provides a primer about persons with disabilities in Minnesota, to better understand their demographic characteristics and experiences.

—State of the State’s Housing 2017  This report spotlights key trends in Minnesota housing like the gap between housing costs and salaries, ranks counties on benchmarks like renter cost burden, and showcases issues like aging housing stock with dynamic maps. Building on the county profiles released each year since 2009, this report continues to benchmark progress at the state, region and county levels.

–The Washington Post released an interactive tool that allows readers to find out how many structurally deficient bridges are in their counties using the latest data available from the 2015 National Bridge Inventory. There are more than 130,000 structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridges across the country. Access the tool here.

–Census Bureau’s new OnTheMap Tool can be used to better understand Indian reservations’ employment and housing markets and infrastructure needs, including where American Indian reservation residents work, where reservation workers live, and the resulting commuting patterns to and from a reservation. Learn more about this usage here, and click here to access the tool.

EDITORS’ NOTE: As always — please send us items to post, comments, ideas, etc. You can send them to minntwin@comcast.net. And thanks for getting to the end of this month’s issue!